Is this a whelping emergency? Am I jumping the gun? Am I waiting too long? Are the puppies in danger? Is the dam in danger? What should I do? Does she need a C-section? There's not a breeder alive who hasn't agonized over these same questions during a whelping. But take a deep breath, calm […]

The Brussels Griffon's black muzzle and whiskers earned them the nickname 'bearded dogs' in old folk songs. Read more about the history of this joyful breed.

The sooner diabetes in dogs is diagnosed and treatment begins, the better chance your pet has of a normal life. Here's what to look for.

Whiskey is typically an acquired taste. But at the largest-ever AKC National Championship presented by Royal Canin on December 15 and 16, judges and spectators alike toasted a 3-year-old Whippet by that name who went all the way to Best in Show under judge Elliott B. Weiss. The First Whippet Winner Platinum Grand Champion Pinnacle […]

Question: I have a 4 month old Wire Fox Terrier who is a "mouther." Since I am the main subject of his mouthing affection, I continue to have small punctures and scratches on on my arms, hands and ankles. He has a number of puppy teething toys and we have tried "no" commands, displeasure yelps, […]

How exactly do lost dogs find their way home from so far afield? New research from the Czech Republic might hold the answer.

The Super Bowl and World Cup have referees. The World Series has umpires. When it comes to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina® Pro Plan®, the second-longest-running sporting event in the United States, there is a different type of officiating crew. Judges are given the difficult task of choosing the crème de […]

Looking for a canine workout partner? Learn which dog breeds excel at running, hiking, swimming, and other activities, and find the right match for your active lifestyle.

Understanding the genetic modes of inheritance is vital for dog breeders, as it helps them predict the likelihood of traits or genetic disorders appearing in offspring. This article provides simplified explanations of different modes of inheritance, which will be expanded on in coming articles.   Genetic Building Blocks: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) is the molecule that […]

The Labrador Retriever has done it again. The intelligent, family friendly breed held onto the number one spot on the most popular list for the 24th consecutive year, continuing the longest reign as the nation’s top dog in American Kennel Club history. For the full list of breed rankings, click here. While the Lab holds strong, […]

Once again, the Bulldog took Los Angeles’s top spot in the 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in Las Vegas and San Diego. After a down year, the Labrador Retriever made a jump from a tie in 4th with the […]

Love puppies? Love to see them strutting their stuff? Then you’ll really love a new event at this year’s show, the AKC Royal Canin National All-Breed Puppy and Junior Stakes. The event is open to all AKC-registered breeds, including Miscellaneous Class breeds and is divided into classes by age. You’ll see puppies as young as six months up to 18-month […]

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to identify what makes us grateful. And it should come as no surprise that here at the AKC, our canine companions are at the top of our list. In anticipation of Thanksgiving, we asked our readers to submit their favorite fall photos of their four-legged sidekicks. Here are 15 canines […]

Losing that soft puppy coat is a normal part of your dog’s growth, but it can be alarming for owners. Learn what to expect about puppy coat shedding.

Bladder cancer is an uncommon but serious condition that affects how a dog urinates. Once a devastating diagnosis, there are now many treatments available.

There are many different diseases and conditions that can cause blood in dog urine. Here's what you need to know about this symptom.

“What’s the matter, Lassie? Did Timmy fall down the well?” For those old enough to remember the book, film, or television series, Lassie was always on the spot to protect or save her family from danger. But canine heroics are not just the stuff of fiction. In real life, dogs have been to known to […]

It was a typical question sent to an AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy instructor. “I need help, I just adopted a terrier puppy and he bites when he is playing. His teeth are like needles. How can I teach him not to bite?” It’s hard to believe how much those needle-like tiny teeth can hurt when a rambunctious […]

Once again, the Labrador Retriever took Dallas’ top spot in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2016 ranking of the most popular AKC-recognized dog breeds in the U.S. The Labrador Retriever was also recognized as the #1 pup in Chicago, Austin, and Raleigh, among others. Yorkshire Terriers fell drastically in popularity this year in Dallas. The […]

QUESTION: I own an American Staffordshire Terrier and live in the Midwest where it can get extremely cold. I generally put him in a sweater or jacket for walks on cold days. Recently, a passerby asked why my large and strong dog was wearing a sweater. Of course, I did not listen to this virtual […]

Polite applause and a smattering of cheers greeted Miss P as she strutted a final lap before the judge who would crown the Best in Show at Westminster.The 15-inch Beagle was clearly an underdog. The Madison Square Garden crowd loudly let it be known that their favorites were Swagger, an Old English Sheepdog, and Charlie, […]

On Monday afternoon, a black Labrador Retriever named “Heart” earned the title of Masters Obedience Champion at the 143rd Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show – an accomplishment she has logged every year since the competition began in 2016. The 6½-year-old Lab is owned and handled by professional dog trainer Linda Brennan of Columbia, New Jersey, […]

Just like humans, high blood pressure in dogs can affect different parts of their life. Learn more about the condition and how to treat it.

In its 149th year, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show has crowned its winner: Giant Schnauzer "Monty," handled by Katherine Bernadin.

How did modern dogs shows get to where they are today? Learn about the histroy of Conformation shows, that began over 150 years ago.

Puppies are wonderful, but the job of raising one isn’t for everyone. Placing adult dogs can be a good option, enabling breeders to move along with their breeding programs while making a dog and someone seeking a canine companion very happy. Though it’s hard to say goodbye to their puppies, breeders expect to place them […]

In our daily lives, we take precautions to safeguard our most valuable possessions and protect them from being stolen. We lock our car doors, equip our homes with alarms, and create passwords to shield our personal information, yet few pet owners realize that protecting our dogs from potential theft is just as important. Dognapping isn’t […]

All anyone has ever seen is a glimpse of these creatures, and there have been many different accounts, but there are two constants in all Bigfoot sightings. They are "as big as a man, and covered with hair from head to foot," one newspaper reported in 1884. Hmmmm. That could easily describe any number of […]

As you look down at the Best in Show judging from your seat in the nosebleed section at Madison Square Garden (or from your own couch), you might be inclined to offer your own take on which dog is worthy of the top honor at Westminster.“That pug is the cutest dog in the ring,” you […]

We have some big news to report about All-Americans succeeding at earning the top titles in Agility, Coursing Ability, Rally, Obedience, Scent Work, Tracking, and Trick Dog. Many dogs are also having success in AKC’s Virtual Titling programs! AGILITY AGCH (Agility Grand Champion) AGCH MACH2 Rosie La Bella MXC PDS MJC PJS MFG TQX T2B5 […]